A stool test is done on fecal matter which is collected in a container and is analyzed in the laboratory to diagnose the presence or absence of a medical condition. Stool test is considered as hallmark in some conditions. Some doctors also consider it as gold standard for diagnosis some conditions in diagnostics. Stool can be collected in either diluted or the natural form.

 

Usually no preservatives or chemicals are added to the stool. Stool can be analyzed under the microscope or by mixing many chemicals or reagents to get the desired results. Various conditions in which the stool test is considered are -

• In Amebic dysentery and Ascariasis stool test under the microscope may shoe the culprit parasite which had lead to the gastrointestinal upset and has resulted in the symptoms. In case of Ascariasis one may see worm larvae in stool and worm eggs in the stool which can be ascertained by the microscopic examination by the qualified microbiologist.
• In some cases of Colitis, Colorectal Cancer, Cohn’s disease stool test is very useful. In some of these conditions stool may be tested for presence of occult blood. Occult blood is the condition where a person cannot see blood in the stool but examined under a microscope it will reveal the blood traces. In other words it is the microscopic presence of blood while macroscopic examination generally remains normal.
• In cases associated with infection like diarrhea and Diverticular disease which has become infected stool culture is advised. In this procedure a stool sample of the patient is cultured in a suitable media at a optimum temperature. After two or three days the culture medium is examined for the growth of any bacterial colonies. If some particular bacterial infection is once diagnosed then doctors can point that and can put the patient on the antibiotic to which the bacteria are particularly sensitive.
• In case of gastrointestinal bleeding the stool test can give a good idea in both diagnosing the condition and even the follow up of the condition.
• In patients suffering from the hook worm infection stool test will reveal the worm eggs in the stool and as per the suitable diagnosis the doctor can target the worm with suitable drugs.
• Stool teat is particularly useful in irritable bowel syndrome and lactose intolerance conditions. In lactose intolerance condition the stool is examined for any acidity. In other words the PH of the stool is measured and if found acidic than it will help in doctor to think on the lines of the Lactose intolerance.
• For some patients stool test can diagnose and help in treatment of many cancers like pancreatic cancer and colon cancer. Stool examination can also detect Reiter's syndrome and stomach cancer. Apart from the microscopic examination of the stool, fecal occult blood examination can be considered which will be particularly helpful.
• In patients having Strongyloidiasis worm larvae can be detected in the stool microscopically. Stool test is good for the diagnosis.
• Stool test is also advised in the diagnosis of typhoid fever and whipworm. For typhoid fever stool culture and sensitivity can be ordered by the treating doctor.